The closings could have an effect on travel at BWI because it will have to pick up the slack from those other airports.

“Without Martin State, without the tower there, there could be additional flight delays at BWI,” said Dean.

The FAA says while flyers may be inconvenienced, safety will not be compromised. But some air traffic controllers and pilots don’t think it can guarantee that.

“There’s going to be close calls, there’s going to be midairs, there’s going to be a runway accident,” said Craig Fuller, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. “Something is going to happen and then we’re going to review this decision.”

Several of the control towers set to close in Maryland petitioned the FAA to stay open but were denied.

Maryland aviation leaders say although towers start shutting down April 7, it will be a gradual process.